Africa-Press – Namibia. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who now also serves as Minister of Industrialisation, Mines and Energy, met with staff and management of the ministry in Windhoek on Monday to introduce herself and set out her expectations for their collective work ahead.
The President’s visit began with a closed-door meeting with the ministry’s management team, followed by an address to all staff members in the ministry’s auditorium.
The visit was part of her effort to familiarise herself with the ministry’s operations and ongoing projects.
The President resumes her role as a minister following her rational actions of dismissing Minister Natangwe Ithete on Sunday afternoon with immediate action.
Her Press Secretary, Jonas Mbambo, said the meeting served as an introduction and an opportunity for the President to understand the progress made by the ministry in the past seven months. “She met with management to acquaint herself with the workings of the ministry, and on Thursday, management will give presentations on how the ministry has fared in recent months,” Mbambo said.
He emphasised that the ministry plays a key role in achieving the government’s goal of reviving the economy and improving the living conditions of Namibians.
“The ministry is of vital importance in terms of what we want to achieve in turning the economy around and changing the lives of everyday Namibians,” he added. After meeting with management, President Nandi-Ndaitwah addressed the general staff. Mbambo said she used the opportunity to introduce herself in her new role and to remind employees of their duty as public servants.
“She encouraged staff to appreciate their work, to be thankful for having jobs, and to remember that the work they do is an extension of what must be achieved in improving the lives of Namibians,” Mbambo said.
According to a briefing by the Deputy Executive Director, the ministry currently has 394 staff members, including two deputy executive directors, 23 deputy directors, and 10 directors. Staff members welcomed the President warmly, expressing excitement about working directly under her leadership.
One official noted that the ministry was “happy and blessed” to have the president not only as Head of State but also as their minister, saying her presence signalled renewed energy and leadership focus in the ministry.
Mbambo said no immediate changes were announced at the meeting, but any future developments would be communicated in due course.
When asked about the reasons for the recent dismissal of the previous minister, Mbambo said he was “sworn to confidence” and could not discuss the matter.
“I speak under instruction and until further instruction is given, the ‘why’ will remain a ‘why’, but of course the ‘why’ is very well known to the minister of this ministry, and the president has the right to reveal the why,” he said.
The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy is one of the government’s most critical institutions, driving national efforts in manufacturing, mining, and energy supply.
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